Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855

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A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won’t give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.

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A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. “I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.” Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. “I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.”

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah’s house which was extinguished.

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A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. “Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.” Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. “A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death!...

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyon. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (“it can no doubt be had at Stablers”) as the best remedy in her case. “The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.” Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.

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A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard “seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife & eight children.” Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of “our dear little John” and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with “our young minister” and hopes his teachings will help everyone.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe’s son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother’s visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.

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A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.

Scope and Contents From the Collection: The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is...

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and “that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.” Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah’s health.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore’s election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian’s children.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright’s trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty “is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.” All her friends send their love.